Watchung Hills Junior Warriors Defensive Playbook Table of Contents 1. Fronts from 3-5-3 Defense 2. Defensive Line Play in 3-5-3 Defense 3. Inside Linebacker Play in 3-5-3 Defense 4. Outside Linebacker Play in 3-5-3 Defense 5. Blitz Packages in 3-5-3 Defense 6. Secondary Play in 3-5-3 Defense Huddle
M
B E N E B
D C F C D
1. Nose sets and calls the huddle 2 yards off the LOS after every play 2. Mike calls the defensive plays 3. (Defensive Formation) (Line Stunt) (Blitz) (Coverage) 4. Repeats twice and breaks Huddle 5. Entire defense waits for the offense to break the huddle 6. LBs and DBs call the strength of the offensive formation Lt or Rt GAP LETTERING SYSTEM:
O O O X O O O D C B A A B C D
REGARDLESS OF THE DEFENSE CALLED EVERY GAP WILL HAVE A DEFENDER ASSIGNED. WHEN NO THREAT TO THE DEFENDERS GAP OCCURS, HE WILL GET AN ANGLE OF PURSUIT TO THE BALL CARRIER.
“A” Gap –Between the Center and Guard
“B” Gap – Between the Guard and Tackle
“C” Gap – Between the Tacklean d Tight End
“D” Gap – Outside the Tight End TECHNIQUE NUMBERING SYSTEM:
TE T G C G T TE O O O X O O O 9 8 7 5 4 4I 32 2I 101 2I 2 3 4I 4 5 78 9 3 TECH 7 TECH B 90 TECH B 40 TECH
WHEN ALIGNED OFF THE L.O.S. A ZERO IS ADDED TO THE TECHNIQUE NUMBER
Alignment Technique 0-Head up the center 4-Head up the tackle 1-Shade the center 5-Outside shade of tackle 2i-Inside shade of guard 7-Inside shade of tight end 2-Head up the guard 8-Head up tight end 3-Outside shade of guard 9-Outside shade of tight end 4i-Inside shade of tackle RECEIVER IDENTIFICATION BY NUMBER SYSTEM RECEIVER IDENTIFICATION BY NUMBERSYS TEM How to Determine Strength of Formation Some General Rules: • The strength of the formation will typically be to the side with more eligible receivers. • When there is a TE and one eligible receiver on the other side it will be to the TE side. • When there are 2 or 3 eligible receivers to one side it will be to the 2 or 3 receiver side. How to Determine Strength of Formation (examples) • Balanced formation with 2 TE. – To the wide side of the field – If in middle of the field to the side of their main or scouted TE • Unbalanced Line Left or Right – To the strong unbalanced side • TE and Split End Left with a TE OR SE Right – To the TE / 2 receiver Side in this case Left • TE or SE Left, Twins Right – To the twins or 2 receiver side in this case right • TE Left and Split End Right – To the TE side, in this case Left • Trips to either side – Will always be to the Trips side • TE and Wing Back Left with a TE or Split End Right – To the 2 receiver side in this case Left Base 3-5-3 Defense “Jacks”
E N E
D D B M B
C C
FS
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp.
Left End 4-Tech attack TE ‘C’ gap squeeze Right End 4-Tech outside loop ‘C’ gap chase Nose 0-Tech attack strong side guard strong ‘A’ gap chase Bat 40-tech left triangle: ball-back-guard ‘B’ gap ‘A’ gap (if I’m Here) Bat 40-tech right triangle: ball-back-guard ‘B’ gap ‘A’ gap (if I’m Here) Mike 00-tech triangle: ball-back-guard weak ‘A’ gap scrape to open door Dawg 3x2 off DE End man to near back force-contain I’m Here Dawg 3x2 off DE End man to near back force-contain I’m Here Field Corner 7yds, inside #2 to #1 Receiver contain pursuit Boundary corner 7yds, inside #2 to #1 Receiver contain pursuit Free Safety Shde 2 rec sid 10 yd QB alley player alley player 4-4 Stack
LE N RE D
C C B M B D
FS
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp. Boundry End 8-tech to Boundry Block of lineman slanting to C or D gap dep on slant Pursue along LOS 1 yd dp Field End 2-tech to Field Block of lineman slanting to A or B gap dep on slant Pursue along LOS 1 yd dp Nose 2-tech to Boundry Block of lineman slanting to A or B gap dep on slant Pursue along LOS 1 yd dp Dawg 8-tech to Field Block of lineman slanting to C or D gap dep on slant Pursue along LOS 1 yd dp Bob 80-tech to Boundry, Stk EMOLS to near back C or D gp dep on line slnt Counter Reverse Bootleg Mike 20-tech to Boundry, Stk Triangle: ball-back-guard A or B gp dep on line slnt Scrape to Open Door Bat 20-tech to Field, Stack Triangle: ball-back-guard A or B gp dep on line slnt Scrape to Open Door Dawg 80-tech to Field, Stack EMOLS to near back C or D gp dep on line slnt Counter Reverse Bootleg 4-6 Bear
D B LE N RE D
M B
C C
FS
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp.
Strong End strong 3-Tech Attack Guard ‘B’ gap squeeze Weak End weak 3-Tech Attack Guard ‘B’ gap squeeze Nose ‘0’ Tech Crush technique Both ‘A’ gaps squeeze Mike 40-tech Strong triangle: ball-guard-back Flow/scrape Flow/scrape Bat 40-tech Weak triangle: ball-guard-back Flow/scrape Flow/scrape Bob 7-tech on TE Read TE ‘C’ Gap pursuit Strong Dawg strong 9-tech End man to near back force-contain I’m Here Weak Dawg Weak 5-tech End man to near back Force-contain I’m Here Free Safety strong ‘B’ gap QB alley player pursuit 5-3 Tuff Right
D E N E D
B W B
C C
FS
Position Alignment Reads and Keys Run To resp. Run Away resp.
Strong End 4-Tech Block of lineman slanting to B or C gap squeeze Weak End 4-Tech Block of lineman slanting to B or C gap squeeze Nose 0-Tech Block of lineman slanting to A gap slanting to squeeze Strong Bat 40-tech triangle: ball-guard-back uncovered A/B gap ‘A’ gap (if “I’m Here”) Weak Dawg ghost 9-tech squeeze tackle force-contain I’m Here Weak Bat 40-tech triangle: ball-guard-back uncovered A/B gap ‘A’ gap (if “I’m Here”) Strong Dawg strong 9-tech End man to near back force-contain I’m Here Mike 00-tech Triangle: ball-guard-back A gap dep on slant Scrape to open door Free Safety 8-10 yards inside TE EMLOS QB Back alley player pursuit Defensive Line Ends and Nose Guard
• The job of our defensive linemen is to disrupt the offensive line and free up linebackers to make tackles. • We must be physical and attack the offensive linemen. • Work the line of scrimmage to close down gaps and bounce inside runs outside. Force the offense to go where they do not want to go! Working the Line of Scrimmage
• Defensive Linemen must pursue up and down the Line of Scrimmage. •DL cannot over-penetrate, creating open running lanes underneath them. •DL cannot chase backs in the backfield. •DL must pursue down the line of scrimmage or deeper in order to meet the ball carrier as soon as possible. Defensive Line Technique
• Since our lineman will usually be aligned head up and slanting either direction, we should be in a balanced stance with either hand down. • Align 1 ½ yards from the helmet of the defensive lineman – do not crowd the ball! (WHJW adjustment – line up on the line of scrimmage.) • Be able to see the ball and move on the snap. • First step – lateral step in direction of slant, similar to a pull step. Work to the inside hip of the next lineman. • We want to touch his hip! Disrupt the linemen and keep them off linebackers. • Only after we touch the hip, read the block of the linemen and begin to work up field and find the ball carrier. 4-4 Stack Front Technique •In 4-4 Stack, defensive linemen will squeeze the nearest lineman and get big in their gap. • Step to the near number of the lineman and deliver initial blow with inside shoulder/forearm. • Drive the off-hand underneath the shoulder pads of the OL and squeeze the gap • Always keep shoulders square to LOS and do not look for the football until you control the OL! Line Stunts
1. Left – Nose and Defensive Ends: Slant to Left Gap 2. Right – Nose and Defensive Ends: Slant to Right Gap 3. Weak – Nose: Slant Strong A Gap. Ends: Slant Outside to C Gap 4. Strong – Nose: Slant Weak A Gap. Ends: Slant Outside to C Gap. 5. Pinch – Nose: Slant Strong Side A Gap. Ends: Slant Inside to B Gap LE N RE
Weak / Jacks Nose: Slant Strong A Gap Ends: Slant Outside to C Gap LE N RE
Strong Nose: Slant Weak A Gap Ends: Slant Outside to C Gap LE N RE
Pinch Nose: Slant Strong Side A gap Ends: Slant Inside to B Gap LE N RE
Right Nose and Defensive Ends: Slant to Right Gap LE N RE
Left Nose and Defensive Ends: Slant to Left Gap Outside Slant: Slant away from football
1. Step with near foot toward aiming point: near hip of next lineman
2. Follow with back foot and rip near arm underneath head-up lineman
3. Collision next lineman, then read his block.
4. It is critical that you keep the lineman off your linebackers!! Inside Slant: Slant toward football
1. Step with near foot toward aiming point: near hip of next lineman
2. Follow with back foot and rip near arm underneath head-up lineman
3. Collision next lineman, then read his block.
4. It is critical that you keep the lineman off your linebackers!! Down Block: Work through shoulder of blocker Pursue down L.O.S. Double Team Block: Attack down blocker and fight to his opposite shoulder OR Work low to split the blockers. DO NOT GIVE GROUND! Drop outside hip to ground and crawl! Reach Block: You must not allow the blocker to cross your face. Fight across his face, square your shoulders, Work down the L.O.S. to football. x
No Block: If you are unblocked on your stunt, LOOK INSIDE! Someone will block you. Expect a trap block, Attack it down the L.O.S. Do not over-penetrate!!! **If OLB has given “I’M HERE” call, wrong-arm the trap. If no call, you must squeeze and contain! Pull by covered lineman: Get in ‘hip pocket’ and follow Down the L.O.S. Pull by Lineman to Stunt: Fight across back block, Get in pulling lineman’s ‘hip pocket’ Follow pulling lineman down L.O.S. Inside Linebackers “Bats” and “Mike” Inside Linebacker Alignment & Assignments • L Bat, Mike and R Bat will align 4-5 yards off the LOS, stacked behind the DL. • Stance on toes, butt down with chest up, head up and hands free • LBs will be in motion prowling and working to time the snap count. Triangle Read
LE N RE
L M R
1. Linebackers: See the ball out of the corner of your eye
2. On snap of the ball, read through the nearest uncovered lineman
3. To the near back in the backfield
4. React to run to, run away, or pass read Scrape Technique
• On flow away from Inside LB, scrape technique may be used. • Shuffle down LOS, attacking at 45 degree angle with head on a swivel, looking for an “Open Door” • Keep hands up, eyes up, butt down and ‘feel’ past “Closed doors” until finding an opening in LOS. • When you find an “Open Door,” shoot through and find the ball carrier. Prowling • For our defense to be successful, we must make it hard for the offense to find us. • Prowling is Linebackers moving in and out of gaps, decoying and disguising stunts. • DO NOT move past the next gap • DO NOT move past the heels of the DL • Our linebackers should be in constant motion during pre-snap cadence. • No matter where you are on the snap, LBs must play their original responsibility when the play starts. Down block, Flow To
1. Read Step on snap
2. Uncovered lineman Blocks down, step outside
3. Read near back flow to, Scrape to open door Block away, Flow To
1. Read Step on snap
2. Uncovered lineman Blocks out, step inside of His block.
3. Read near back flow to, Attack to gap responsibility. Block to, Flow away
1. Read Step on snap
2. Uncovered lineman Blocks out, step inside of His block.
3. Read near back flow away, Attack to backside gap responsibility. Block to, Flow to.
1. Read Step on snap
2. Uncovered lineman blocks to, step inside of his block, being mindful of gap resp.
3. Read flow to and attack immediately. Pull outside, Flow to.
1. Read Step on snap
2. Uncovered lineman pulls outside, Flow will go in direction of pull.
3. Make sure ball clears play side gap and attack to pulling lineman (point of attack). Pull inside, Flow away
1. Read Step on snap
2. Uncovered lineman pulls inside, Flow will go away.
3. Chase pulling lineman to backside gap responsibility. Reading Guards
1. Read the helmet of the Guard for keys. 2. If the helmet goes down, it is a run block. Read near back and attack. 3. If you see ear hole, it is a trap block. 4. If the helmet comes at you, attack immediately. Do not hesitate! 5. If the helmet pops up, it is pass block. Check for draw and then zone drop, reading #3 to #2 receiver. Outside Linebackers “Dawgs” Outside Linebacker Alignment & Assignment • OLB will be aligned 3x2 off DE when he does not have a slot receiver. • OLB will be aligned 4x2 inside of #2 slot receiver. • Read End Man on Line of Scrimmage to Near Back on every snap • EMOLS blocks down: Squeeze to his hip • EMOLS blocks out: Attack and Squeeze • EMOLS pass blocks: Drop to pass, crossing #2 face and listening for CB call Force-Contain Player • The Dawg is the Force-Contain Player on runs to his side. •Dawgmust maintain outside leverage on all run plays to his side, keeping outside arm and leg free. •Dawgmust force the ball carrier to either cut back inside, or string the play out to the sideline. •Dawgcannot chase a play in the backfield, making lanes for the back to cut. “I’m Here” Call • When flow goes away from Dawg, he is responsible for Counter/ Reverse/ Bootleg if he does not have pass coverage • If Dawg reads flow away and has no pass coverage, he should call “I’M HERE” loudly to BAT • This alerts BAT that Dawg has C.R.B covered, and BAT can begin scrape/pursuit. • If BAT does not here “I’M HERE” or hears “YOU YOU YOU!”, he must assume C.R.B. responsibility. Reads: 1. End Man on Line of Scrimmage
2. Near Back End Man blocks down, Flow toward
1. Take read step on snap
2. End man blocks down, attack to LOS And call “DOWN DOWN” to BAT
3. Read flow to, keep shoulders square and Prepare to take on a block at LOS. Squeeze The block down and either force the play inside Or force ball carrier to bounce. End Man blocks out, Flow toward
1. Take read step on snap
2. End man blocks out, maintain outside leverage and read to near back.
3. Read flow to, be sure to force play inside, Then attempt to help on inside run. Blitz Packages 4 Man Pressure 5 Man Pressure 6 Man Pressure 7 Man Pressure 8 Man Pressure 4 Man Pressure 1. BoB – BAT to call side goes to B Gap 2. BAt – BAT away from call side goes to near side A Gap 3. BuCk – BAT away from call side goes to near side C Gap 4. Mike – Mike goes to call side B Gap 5. Mike Choice – Mike chooses A Gap, NG goes opposite. 6. Dawg – Dawg away from call goes D Gap 5 Man Pressure 1. Bat Bob – same as BAT 4 man pressure plus Bob call. 2. Buck Bob – same as Buck 4 man pressure plus Bob call. 3. Double Dawg – Both Dawgs go D Gap on their side 4. Double Buck – Both BATs go to C Gap on their side 5. Blast – both Bats go to B Gap on their side 6. Zoo – BAT on call side goes to B Gap and Mike goes A Gap to call side 7. Boom – Bat and Dawg away from call go. Bat shows at LOS and goes C- Gap tight. Dawg goes wider to second level. Good against option. 5 Man Pressure (cont) 8. Dawg Left Bob – Left Dawg goes to D Gap. Bob to line call goes to B Gap. 9. Dawg Left Mike – Left Dawg goes to D Gap. Mike to line call goes to call side B Gap. 10. Dawg Left Bat – Left Dawg goes to D Gap. Bat away from line call goes to near side A Gap. 11. Dawg Right Bob – Right Dawg goes to D Gap. Bob to line call goes to B Gap. 12. Dawg Right Mike – Right Dawg goes to D Gap. Bob to line call goes to B Gap. 13. Dawg Right Bat – Right Dawg goes to D Gap. Bob to line call goes to B Gap. 6 Man Pressure
1. Hammer – Dawg, BAT and Mike to line call side go to closest open Gap as per line call. 2. Middle – Bat, Mike and Bat go to closest open Gap as per line call. 3. Warrior – Dawg, BAT and Mike away from line call go to the closest open Gap. 4. Double Dawg Bat - Both Dawgs go D Gap on their side. Bat away from line call goes to near side A Gap 5. Double Dawg Bob - Both Dawgs go D Gap on their side. Bob to line call goes to B Gap. 6 Man Pressure (cont)
6. Double Buck Dawg Right - Both BATs go to C Gap on their side. Right Dawg also goes to D Gap. 7. Double Buck Dawg Left - Both BATs go to C Gap on their side. Left Dawg also goes to D Gap. 7 Man Pressure
1. Thunder – Dawg, BAT to Call, Mike and Bat away from call go to closest open Gap based on line call. 2. Hurricane – both Dawgs and Bats go to closest open Gap based on line call. 3. Lightning – Dawg, BAT away from call, Mike and Bat to call go to the closest open Gap based on line call. 4. Hammer Dawg - Dawg, BAT and Mike to line call side go to closest open Gap as per line call. Dawg away from line call also goes to closest open Gap. 5. Warrior Dawg - Dawg, BAT and Mike away from line call go to the closest open Gap. Dawg to line call also goes to closest open Gap. 8 Man Pressure
• Tornado – Both Dawgs, both BATs and Mike all go to closest open Gap based on line call. Secondary Corners Alignment & Assignment
• In Cover 3, we will align 8 yards off, one yard inside of #1 Receiver, with outside foot up. • On the snap, bail and read #2 receiver for run/pass read • See the QB out of the corner of your eye and look for his release. • Always turn with hips facing the QB and maintain inside position. Cornerback Rules • CB reads #2 to #1 Receiver • CB must communicate the #2 Routes to the OLB. This is crucial in our coverage. TALK EVERY PLAY! • If #2 runs “OUT”: Check #1, OLB has man on #2 • If #2 runs “IN”: Check #1, OLB covers #2 until he crosses into next zone • If #2 runs “DEEP”: Check #1 for deep route, get depth and do not get beat deep! “OUT” “DEEP” “IN”
“OUT” “DEEP” “IN” Free Safety Alignment and Assignment • In Cover 3 will align 10 yards from LOS shading to the 2 receiver side. • On snap of ball bail and read EMOLS to QB to near back for run pass read • On run support middle of field if flow outside run alley • On pass must be read route of #2 receiver to #1 • Drop is to deep middle 1/3. Must see whole field • Must be deepest man on field. No one behind you. Listen for coverage calls from CBs